life lately

Well hellllooo there friends. Better late than never to make a life lately post for September? Lol I am totally behind on blog posts due to my insane school schedule. I promise I will get back into the swing of things! September was the start of football season, and the continuation of some warm weather for us Southern girls. Most of my free time was spent outdoors tailgating or taking blog pics… what a life lol.

FOOTBALL SEASON… MY FAVORITE SEASON. This game day was our first of the year and let me tell ya it was so great to be back in Death Valley again!! Due to the excruciating heat, I opted for a simple, light-weight outfit — tank, skort and tennis shoes (which literally took a chunk of skin off the back of my heel.. so painful. 10/10 would not recommend these bad boys for game day).

Black and brown… a combination I can’t get enough of. These booties are from last season and they’re still super on trend for this year. I am loving these black jeans too (only $25 from target) and I swear I wear them at least 3 times a week haha. I’ll link some similar booties and my jeans below.

Alpha Phifa was this month and man was it fun!! Super hot, but fun. We braved the heat all day and I got a little sun but hey, at least it was for a good cause! #forthehearts

Ugh, can’t say enough of how thankful I am to have a friend who enjoys this process as much as I do. Maddie is behind the camera for many of my posts and she’s one of the reasons why I can continue to do what I do on this lil corner of the internet!

Fun brunette tee for a fun brunette. I think I wear this shirt too much but ya know what.. we all have our flaws. I styled it for transitioning into fall considering it is still warm over here in Louisiana. Check out the post here!

Two years, too many cups of coffee and a little bit too much online shopping later… and the day is here! It’s Louisiana Girl in Pearls second birthday! What an insane ride this has been. Especially this past year. With work, school, and Alpha Phi — it’s been challenging. I have to admit I’ve not always been the most consistent with blogging. But that’s a factor I’d absolutely like to improve on going into my third year as a blogger!

Blogging for me has been such an eye-opening experience. I spend hours a day on social media looking to other bloggers for inspiration — from bloggers with 20 followers to bloggers with 2 million followers. As a perfectionist, I am so hard on myself. When you’re trying to breakthrough into a world that is as visual as blogging, it gets so hard not to compare yourself to others. I’m not going to lie to you and say I don’t wish I had another bloggers’ hair, body, money, time, etc. but I think I’ve had to learn not to discredit myself. Regardless of how many followers I have, that doesn’t make my content any less valuable than another’s.

Creating content for this little corner of the web and having people read it (hey mom) has been so rewarding. Although I am no where near the point I would like to be with LGIP, I am slowly taking the steps that I need to get there. As I learn more about social media, photography, and blogging in general LGIP improves. I would love to learn more coding in this next year (I seriously think it’s so cool how everything we look at on the internet is a combination of numbers, letters and symbols).

I’ve grown so much in the past year, more than I honestly thought I could. LGIP has definitely been a safe space for me. Some days I’m serious and some days you can’t get me off a tangent talking about some random thing. LGIP allows me the space to be whatever “me” I’m feelin’ that day. Thanks for following along with me, y’all, it honestly means the world to me. So so so much love goes out to y’all who read my posts, like my Instagram pictures, reply to my stories when I ask dumb questions, take my pictures for me without complaint, let me borrow your clothes, or computer (when mine is broken… aka always). I cannot thank y’all enough. Y’all make this happen!

Here’s to TWO YEARS and many more!! (Maybe I’ll still be blogging when I’m 70, who knows?)

I’m coming to you mid finals week to share my April Life Lately. I’ve been totally off my game lately, but dang there’s just something about the end of the school year that does it to me. Everything goes wayy too fast. April was one heck of a month — spring break and my last few weeks of sophomore year (can I get a WTF).

Maria’s birthday was this month so we celebrated with some Mexican food (always the best way). In classic Maria fashion, a photo shoot had to follow, so here’s the outcome. Honestly my face 99.9% of the time. My fringe top makes an appearance once again, along with my favorite pair of jeans (under $40), and TKEES (I wear these everyday).

Spring break was such a great break from school (even if it was only for a week)!! As I chatted about in my spring break posts (here and here), I went to Sea Brook, SC for the week! We hung around at the beach and took a day trip to Charleston.

Charleston (as I talked about in my most recent post) was life changing! Everything was just so charming. I’ve discovered that I love traveling to historic cities and I seriously hope I can visit there soon. The pops of color on mailboxes, doors and walls stole my heart!

As soon as I got back from Spring break, it was nonstop preparation for finals. In fact, I had a test the day I got back from spring break and a project due that Wednesday (life is rough). As I always say, my agenda can get my through anything and everything. I swear that thing has been glued to my hip since I got back. Lol, it’s seriously my life saver. My motto: write it down!

Our last social event of the semester was this month. The theme was Hangout and we had it at some sand volleyball courts about 20 minutes from LSU. Y’all, it was seriously so fun. I think I went a little too crazy on the hair and makeup. My swimsuit says “Champagne Campaign” and it went perfectly with my cutoffs. For funsies, I wore my tassel choker. I put glitter in my part (so fun) and some jewels on my face. An in-your-face matte pink lip finished off my look!

Embarrassingly enough, I think I have worn these jeans shorts at least 15 days of this month. I just looovve them. Sadly they’re 2 years old, so I don’t have a link for them :-/ But I am on the hunt for a new pair of cutoffs so if ya have recommendations, comment below! I actually made one of my work girlies take the pic of me since I was obsessing over this outfit. My tassel choker and white lace up top was the perfect mix of basic and fun!

In celebration of the end of the year, we went roller skating last week. Oh my gosh y’all, it was so freaking fun. I was a little shaky on the skates (I think the last time I roller skated was probably 7 years ago), but once I got comfortable again I was making laps and doing all sorts of fun stuff! I brought my camera on the rink (risky I know) but I had to capture a roomie pic. I’m gonna miss living with these girlies next year. RIP Coz :-/

FUN BRUNETTE strikes again, haha. Our seniors went out in Tigerland for the last time last week so Catherine and I tagged along! I decided to whip out the Fun brunette shirt, cutoffs (are you surprised) and funky earrings.

My mom, Bruce and I headed to Mobile this past weekend to see my brother in his last game of college baseball (so sad). The weather was awesome but a little windy (hence my crazy hair). I went simplistic with a white tee and cutoffs (see? I’m wearing them again). My huuugge monogram necklace is also making a comeback.

Wellll I assumed it was better late than never to get my March Life Lately up. So here goes nothin. :-)

I love when I can actually have a lazy Sunday; it seriously makes my week so much better. Flipping through a magazine and jamming to Ed Sheeran’s album makes for the perfect day.

Are y’all tired of me talking about this fringe top yet? I swear this is last time for a while… But I’m just so in love with it. Such a risky purchase on my part, but I’ve been longing to stray from my basics tees and tanks.

Honestly, we all need a little motivation sometimes! I’ve been getting my monthly dose from my planner. Each month’s got a cute illustration/quote — they make the perfect insta pics.

I’m a firm believer that all you need in life is a good taco!! Life is better when ya have a lil Mexican food in ya. I always love grabbing some tacos to satisfy my craving!

Our chapter’s annual Red Dress Gala was this month! I ended up rocking my dress from last year since time crept up on me this year so I wasn’t able to buy a new one. My Dad came to support me and we had a fab time hanging out with my gals and their parents.

Since our Red Dress Gala was this month, we ended up making a family weekend out of it! Sunday was a mom’s tea and pop-up shop event. I had to work the Hemline pop-up so my lovely Momma (who was the best sport) came to help me. We caught up over some lunch after, making it an overall chill Sunday.

Songfest (an LSU signature Greek Life event) was at the end of this month. I was so so sad I wasn’t in it this year, but I had to go to support my girls! We came armed with low sticks and signs galore. Hard work paid off and our girls won third place!!

Here’s an outfit of the day pre Songfest. I’ve found myself doing adult things on Sundays lately, so cute clothes have been needed lol. I styled my OTS top (part of my new FP set) with some white flares (did I mention how excited I am that they’re back??) and my TKEES. Shoutout to my pal LJ for the fringe hoops!

January marked many celebrations for me: the new year, spring semester of my sophomore year, and lastly my twentieth birthday. It was a month of reflection in a way (getting deep on you guys). Lots of thinking went down about my goals for the future, in addition to plotting how I am going to marry Niall Horan (lol).

I’m not looking back, I swear. Just kidding though because I relive old memories all the time. January started off interestingly enough, with me chilling on the couch with my dog on NYE. Am I lame or what?!

I’m sure y’all saw my post featuring this casual cool look, but if not I’ll link it for ya here! I’ve been living in Spanx leggings, comfy sweaters and t-shirts. No shame in being a little boring from time to time… Catherine and I shot these pictures in Downtown Covington after a quick lunch and we had such a fab time!

Surprisingly it has not rained much in Louisiana since August… But since we had a shower or two this month, I only found it necessary to break out my Hunters. They can cheer me up on any gloomy day.

Hi my name is Madison and I am addicted to coffee. Not much else to say except for the fact that I can pretty much always go for a cup of coffee. My dad, sister and I went to brunch at Abita before I left for school and their coffee was amazing. I had to snap a pic.

This month I started taking flatlays over at Hemline. It’s been hella fun experimenting and learning! Did I mention I love anything fashion related? Yeah, I guess it was assumed.

Back to school means back to having a social life… well somewhat. Mags and I went as Jackie and Donna from That 70’s Show (mostly cause I wanted an excuse to wear my new MuMu bells) to our first exchange of the semester.

This month my bff Maddie and I have been experimenting with my blog pictures. She just got a new lens so we’ve been testing it out. We shot my birthday shoot was in Downtown BR, where this fire geometric wall art was! These pictures were nothing short of amazing!! To see more pictures, follow Maddie on insta here!

Read my “20 things I learned by the time I was 20” if you wanna know how I’m feeling about being 20 now. I had an overall laid-back birthday this year which is surprising considering I AM NOT A LAID BACKPERSON. But dang, did it feel good to just chill. My fam and friends always make my birthday fab and I appreciate them so dearly!

Honestly surprised I made it to the end of this month (lol). With computer problems out the wahzoo, semi, projects + some family issues – it’s no surprise this month was a rough one. December is here, which means I can finally start decorating for Christmas! But before that, I’ll give y’all a little run down of my November…

Ah, the best way to start the month is with a fresh new monthly view in the agenda. My planner is my literal saving grace. I would be running around like a chicken with my head cut off if it weren’t for it.

Who’s fun + brunette? That’s me! This MuMu tee has easily become a throw on and go for the month. Jeans, skirts, leggings – you name it, I’ve worn it with this shirt. MuMu has a fantastic line of graphic tees, but they can be pricey so if you’re looking into one, I would recommend getting something you’ll be able to re wear time + time again.

some mu for you

Football season has come to a close this month. I have to say, I am really going to miss heading over to Tiger Stadium to cheer on my boys. Picking out an outfit every weekend – that’s something I won’t miss. There’s a first time for everything + this was mine with the jersey. Let’s just say I looked more sporty than I am.

Back and better than ever! Serving on exec has been one of my best memories in Alpha Phi. This year I have been elected to be our VP of Chapter Operations. With our brand new home, there is so much to be done (we are still getting the hang of things over here). I am looking forward to working with my girls to have a year to remember!

Catherine (my sweet roomie + bff) turned 20 this month! The weekend was jam-packed. Semi took place Friday night + following that was the Alabama game. I snagged these gold foil balloons from Amazon for $5 each (talk about a bargain)! Her little gift from moi included, a sweet note (feat Harry Styles), kit kats, a choker, and a framed picture of us.

Semi was where it was at!! I can’t even begin to describe how much fun we all had! The night started hectically (what’s new), but once we got to the venue all was well. Bag of Donuts was our entertainment + I swear to you, they are one of the best cover bands of all time! Shout out to my best friend Brooks for tagging along with me ;-)

Alpha Phi took us to the Pelicans game + boy was it fun! Not only did I spend $16 on food, ride a bus from BR to NOLA for 3 hours, but I also got to go on the court + snap some pictures! My outfit was a total seventies vibe from the flares to the bodysuit to the hoops.

70s fever

A successful friendsgiving was had! We chowed on some delicious food + caught up like old times. Seeing my high school friends is one of the best parts about going home. Did I mention how freaking cute our little photo shoot turned out?

Thanksgiving this year was quite an odd one. I was all over the place (NOLA, Mandeville, BR) + didn’t get much of a break. Louisiana weather still has not cooled down enough for a jeans, boots, and sweater look so I opted for a sweater + skirt combo.

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My music favorites for this month:

Love on the weekend by John Mayer

Blue ain’t your color by Keith Urban

Make your mind up by Moon Taxi

The chain by Fleetwood Mac

My beauty favorites for this month:

My daily routine for work has been pretty simple. CC cream, blush, brows, and then mascara.

This month can be easily summed up because it seems I have done nothingeventful but a little weekend trip to Houston, TX. The other 24 days of July have been spent mentally preparing myself for back to school (aka recruitment). August will be here before I know it, and I am jumping for joy knowing shortly I’ll be back in my favorite place (Baton Rouge) with my favorite people!

Can I start a petition to bring more Whattaburger locations to Louisiana? The second the wheels of the car hit the Texas state line, I quickly searched for the nearest Whattaburger to satisfy my craving. The bags are so cute I ended up snapping a few pics of it before I devouredmy food #dontmesswithtexasyall

My gracious host for the weekend was none other than my freshman roomie, Olive. Words cannot describe how thankful I am that the two of us have gotten along so well (and survived freshman year). We both are rocking our own handmade necklaces!

Sooo another thing that needs to come to Louisiana… Sprinkles cupcakes. I’m telling y’all, you’ve never had a cupcake like this before. Salted caramel is always a favorite flavor of mine (especially in macaroons) and this cupcake did not disappoint.

Not sure how well y’all can see in this picture, but I made some subtle changes to my hair this month! After longing for a change but not wanting to give up much length, I stumbled upon the idea of balayage. My hairdresser ended up having to use two appointments to get my hair to this lightness, but I have to say I love how natural it looks. PS: my romper is from Tobi + I wrote a post on it here.

Obsessed with this off the shoulder Piko top in navy. The material is so soft + stretchy and the shirt can literally go with anything.I chose to pair it with my favorite NYX lip color as of right now, theSoft matte lip cream in Antwerp.

Yes, another picture of food. Do I have a problem? Maybe. But seriously y’all, this apple cinnamon crepe was over the top amazing. Being a big breakfast eater, I am always down for some crepes.

Not that I’m not makeup crazy any other month, but in July I ended up going berserk trying a whole bunch of new products. These pictured are my necessitates for the summer time. In case y’all haven’t been able to check out the post, I’ll link it here.

I snagged this little navy number from American Apparel for recruitment. The silhouette is a mix between a little bit of A-line and a little bit of a shift. Pops of pink +white completed the look. For recruitment, I’ll pair it with some nude wedges for a really classic polished vibe.

All my insta loves have already seen this picture, so if you don’t follow me on Instagram go ahead and give me a follow @lgipblog! Anyhow, the Sam Edelman heels were a diamond in the rough. I scored them for $40! Fall is just around the corner, and they would look fantastic with some flare jeans and a sweater!

July had it’s moments, but the best day of this month was my one year bloggiversary. Spending the day taking fun pictures with my “1” balloon (and losing it mid photoshooot) was really the icing on the cake.

Officially 16 days until I get to live in this beauty with my besties! August 6th come sooner! PS: would y’all like to see a college packing list or a room tour?

When it’s your bestie’s birthday, you have to go big or go home! I ended up setting up a cutie little photobooth complete with a champagne balloon and some tassels over a white back drop. The pictures turned out hella cute! We went out to dinner + I chose to wear my white super flare jeans and a statement off the shoulder top.

Looking back at my mumble jumble of photos from June, I’ll go ahead an conclude it was a very random and spastic month full of work, blogging, eating, and a few day trips to Baton Rouge and NOLA. How the heck is it almost July?! That means I’m one month closer to being back in my favorite place, Baton Rouge, (and my new home on the lake whee) but also it means one month left being home and seeing friends and family I don’t get to see too often during school. Ugh!! Such conflicting feelings about summer surround me. Well, I’ll get onto babbling about my June… here we goooooo!

A day trip to NOLA to see my bestie was just what I needed to get this month started off on the right foot! Peep our Ray Bans (classic look from both of us). Get mine here and Zach’s here.

Summer time reading is one of my favorites. I’m still delving into the Cuckoo’s Calling, but hoping I can finish soon because I’ve got quite the list piling up!

I think we went overboard with the pineapple pictures during our time at the beach… Oh well.

My diva bestie from NYC came to visit for a few days this month!! We celebrated with watermelon spritzers + cake!! Thankful that our friendship can withstand 1,150 miles.

Call me DIY queen. Summertime is my DIY season since I have more spare time with no school. I ran to Hobby Lobby and snagged all of this for six dollars (go me with my coupons!!). Three necklaces later, and I’m wanting to go back for more.

My future home is coming along quite nicely, don’t ya think? August cannot come soon enough! (Can’t you tell how excited I am to live in this babe with all of my best friends/sisters!) #rushaphi

Walked into Ulta for one thing, and walked out with four…. Oops. I’ve heard only rave reviews about the NYX soft matte lip creams, and Maybelline instant age rewind concealer, so I’m super exited to try!

Probably the best fifty three dollars I have spent this month. This lens is amazing y’all. It rivals the Cannon 55 mm lens (did I mention it’s half the price?!!). I’ll be using this bad boy from now on in my blog pics so stay tuned to see it in action!

Maddie meet LGIP readers, LGIP readers meet Maddie. She’s been with me throughout this whole process and I am so elated to announce that she will be partnering with me to grow my social media. We’ve already taken an online class and plan to take some more to expand our knowledge on the subject. I cannot wait for y’all to see her amazing work!! (PS: this is an upcoming OOTD post… My dress is from Tobi!)

Forever wishing I could take blog pictures 24/7. When an off day rolls around, you can one hundred percent catch me with my camera in hand.

And last but not least… my most exciting endeavor for the month of June… an official Louisiana Girl in Pearls instagram. I’ve been reluctant to branch out from my personal instagram just because I would have to start over with all of my followers, but so far the support has been amazing. If you get the chance go ahead and check me out here.